ASTON VILLA manager Tim Sherwood claims no club in the world have the money to buy Christian Benteke and says his in-form striker is the best in Europe.

The Belgium international, 24, has scored 11 goals in his past nine club appearances to take Villa to the brink of Premier League safety.

He was named the league’s player of the month for April yesterday and Sherwood said: “Christian is going nowhere – no-one can afford him.

“He is in great form, we’re creating the chances for him and he’s sticking them away. There is no price on his head. I don’t know if there is a better striker in Europe at the moment. ”

However, Villa are not out of the woods just yet. They host West Ham today and Sherwood believes relegation will ruin his summer, whatever they do against Arsenal in the FA Cup final at the end of the month.

He said: “Relegation before the cup final would be a disaster. Mentally, we’d still have to win the final. The priority is the Premier League.

“My summer holiday with my kids would not be good – I’d be throwing them in the deep end.”

Sherwood is likely to continue with Shay Given in goal after opting to include the 39-year-old ahead of Brad Guzan in the 3-2 win over Everton last week. “The door is not closed for Brad,” he said. “It’s life and football. I’ve been left out a few times.”

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has praised Sherwood’s open approach to management.

“The fact Tim speaks his mind is quite refreshing,” Allardyce said. “He seems to have rekindled a great energy and belief.”